There is no replacement for displacement? How about a roadster “powered” by a 0.66 liter engine (yes, 40 ci, give or take a thimble) that is not allowed to make more than 63 hp?

Honda is developing a Kei car roadster, President Takanobu Ito said at Honda’s shareholders meeting yesterday, confirming rumors that even had Motor Trend hot & bothered.

It wouldn’t be a Honda first. 1991, Honda launched a two-seater Kei convertible, called the Beat. It didn’t last long and was discontinued in 1996.

“By offering a successor to the Beat, which still remains popular even today, Honda is likely looking to draw young men into the minivehicle market,” figures The Nikkei [sub]. Young men? I guess that means young Japanese women favor a Porsche.

“I think this trend towards small sports cars is good…”
I’d appreciate this trend, too.
If, and only if they mind the weight, however. That’s expensive and might also be risky.
Look at the Daihatsu Copen. It simply didn’t sell outside of Japan. The reason might very well be that such cars are simply too nimble (almost toy-like) for the European or US taste, although they are well-engineered, very nice cars.

If I remember correctly from my days of playing Gran Turismo the Beat was also mid-engine. If its small and light enough 67HP would be fine. My ’83 Civic S 1500 hatchback had all of around 90HP and it was “peppy”.

I use a Suzuki Cappuccino in my GT5 Kei races. A MR 1200 lb convertible doesn’t need a lot of power to be fun, even in a video game. I’d like to own one if I were in a country where the other vehicles on the road are anywhere near the same size.

The export version of the Daihatsu Copen actually comes with a 1.3l engine, since it doesn’t have to conform to kei standards. So this new Beat won’t necessarily have to be restricted to 63hp if it makes it out of Japan.